Firearms Licensing Officer

Thames Valley Police; Witney; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team at a forward-thinking police department, where your expertise in firearms licensing will make a significant impact on community safety. This role involves reviewing and processing applications for firearms and explosives, ensuring compliance with legislation, and providing expert advice to the public and police. You will be part of a supportive environment that values your contributions and offers opportunities for career development. Enjoy a range of benefits, including flexible working conditions and a local government pension scheme, while making a real difference in your community.

Benefits

24 days annual leave

Flexible working conditions

Lifestyle discounts

Career development opportunities

Local government pension scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in firearms licensing and legal compliance is essential.
• Strong communication skills for dealing with public inquiries.

Responsibilities

• Process various firearms and explosives applications in accordance with legislation.
• Conduct thorough background checks before authorizing certificates.

Skills

Firearms Licensing Knowledge

Attention to Detail

Communication Skills

Legal Compliance

Education

Relevant Legal Qualification

Job description

Do you want to make a difference in your community by ensuring that firearms and explosives are held legally and safely? The Firearms Licensing department is committed to delivering a high standard of service to the communities it serves.

The overall purpose of the role is to ensure that all certificates are issued in accordance with the relevant legislation, Home Office guidance, Firearms Licensing APP, and National Decision Model in order to minimise the risk of avoidable harm.

The key duties of this role are as follows:

1. Review, authorise and process Firearms, Shot Guns, Temporary, Visitors, Explosives, Dealer, Club, and Section 11(6) applications in accordance with relevant legislation, Home Office Guidance, Firearms Licensing APP, the National Decision Model and Force Policy.
2. Ensure that all processed and printed certificates are accurate and that certificate holders are legally covered for their respective firearms, shot guns, ammunition and explosives in accordance with relevant legislation, Home Office Guidance, Firearms Licensing APP, the National Decision Model and Force Policy.
3. Refer to the Senior Firearms Enquiry Officer contentious applications (medical, good reason, previous convictions, intelligence and technical) for Firearms, Shot Guns, Visitor Permits, Explosives, Dealer, Club, and Section 11(6) in order to mitigate any risk.
4. Responsible for ensuring that all checks (background, medical, security etc) are carried out before authorising certificates in accordance with relevant legislation, Home Office Guidance, Firearms Licensing APP, the National Decision Model and Force Policy.
5. Ensure that all irregularities, such as lost/stolen guns, expired certificates, returned renewal letters and those in unlawful possession of guns are detected in accordance with relevant legislation, Home Office Guidance, Firearms Licensing APP, the National Decision Model and Force Policy.
6. Answer and respond promptly and accurately to letters, emails, and telephone requests for specialist advice and knowledge from Police and the public on matters relating to legal possession, security, and safe shooting of firearms, ammunition, and explosives in accordance with the relevant legislation, Home Office Guidance, Firearms Licensing APP, and Force Policy.

As part of the Thames Valley Police family, you will enjoy a fantastic range of benefits including 24 days annual leave per annum, pro-rata for part time (plus Bank Holidays), flexible working conditions, a wide range of lifestyle discounts, career development opportunities, and have the option to join a local government pension scheme. For more information on our benefits, please visit the supporting you page, via the link at the bottom of the advert.

The closing date for enquiries and receipt of completed applications is Sunday 16th February 2025.

At Thames Valley Police (TVP), we work together to protect our communities. Whether as an officer, staff member, or volunteer, you will make a difference and play an important role in helping achieve our mission. As you take on a role with pride and confidence, you will be supported, developed, and valued, ensuring you can be at your best in the service of our communities.